Grandma’s Corn Pudding – Quick & Easy Comfort Classic

This Grandma’s Corn Pudding is creamy, buttery, and perfectly sweet with tender corn kernels baked into a custard-like casserole. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s simple to make and always a favorite at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners.

The texture is soft and smooth with a golden, slightly crisp top just like Grandma used to make. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or alongside a weeknight roast, this corn pudding brings a taste of nostalgia to your table.

What Is Corn Pudding

Corn pudding is a traditional Southern-style baked custard made from corn, eggs, milk, butter, and a touch of sugar. It has the sweetness of cornbread but a soft, spoonable texture.

This version combines creamed corn and whole kernel corn for extra flavor and heartiness, creating a dish that’s rich, comforting, and loved by all ages.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this corn pudding because it’s:

• Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Creamy, buttery, and lightly sweet
• A timeless family recipe perfect for holidays or potlucks
• Comforting and versatile, pairing well with any meal
• Always a crowd favorite with minimal prep time

It’s that old-fashioned recipe that never goes out of style — homey, cozy, and delicious every time.

How Does It Taste

The flavor is rich, buttery, and mildly sweet, with tender corn throughout. The texture is custard-like — creamy on the inside with a slightly caramelized golden crust on top.

It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, melting in your mouth with every bite.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Corn provides natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamins. Using whole milk and eggs adds protein and a creamy texture without needing heavy cream. You can also reduce butter slightly for a lighter version while keeping it flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• ⅓ cup sugar (optional for a sweeter pudding)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• 2-quart baking dish
• Oven

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

• Savory version: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese or diced jalapeños.
• Herb flavor: Stir in chopped chives or thyme.
• Sweet twist: Add a touch of vanilla extract for dessert-style corn pudding.
• Make it lighter: Use 2% milk or half butter for a lower-fat version.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt until blended.
4. Add corn: Fold in creamed corn and drained whole corn. Mix gently.
5. Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until golden and set in the center.
6. Cool slightly: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving warm.

What to Serve With

This creamy corn pudding pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, fried chicken, or barbecue. It’s a staple on the Thanksgiving or Christmas table and also works beautifully as a weeknight side dish.

Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or baked mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Why It’s a Family Favorite

This recipe has been passed down for generations. It’s simple, affordable, and timeless, with flavors that bring back memories of family gatherings and cozy kitchen aromas. It’s one of those dishes everyone looks forward to each year.

Tips for Success

• Whisk ingredients until smooth for the best custard texture.
• Don’t overbake — it should jiggle slightly when done.
• Let it cool a few minutes before serving so it sets.
• Use creamed corn for moisture and flavor.
• Double the recipe easily for holiday crowds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing: Can make the pudding dense instead of creamy.
• Skipping flour or baking powder: Helps bind the pudding and gives it light structure.
• Overbaking: Dries out the custard; bake just until golden and set.
• Serving immediately: Let it rest so the texture holds together.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for quick serving.

Corn pudding also reheats beautifully the next day — the flavors deepen and the texture becomes even creamier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Prepare the mixture, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake just before serving.

Can I use fresh or frozen corn?
Absolutely. Use about 2 ½ cups cooked corn kernels and add an extra ¼ cup milk.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch instead of flour.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time by 10–15 minutes.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

Calories: 240 | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 28g | Protein: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Sodium: 290mg

Conclusion

This Grandma’s Corn Pudding is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and buttery comfort. It’s easy to make, deeply nostalgic, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Whether you serve it for the holidays or as a cozy Sunday side, it’s that one dish that makes everyone go back for seconds.

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November 8, 2025 by Melissa